After several weeks of searching for a new (used) car I settled on a 2002 black SAAB 9-3 hatchback. As soon as I took the car out for a test drive I knew it was going to be the one I picked. It was extremely comfortable and handles really well, quite powerful and also smooth, with great acceleration and cornering. The car also has a stylish and classy design to it that recalls the old 900 model SAAB but adds a more modern streamlined look while retaining the classic hatchback design. It has been overall a wonderful car in the week or so I have owned it and I look forward to many more miles of driving it.
Here is my review of the car on my website with many pictures of the beautiful auto. I nicknamed it “The Black Knight.” Despite being black and having black leather seats, it never gets too hot in the interior because the seats have a cloth material in the middle that dissipates the heat.
SAAB 9-3s of the first generation take only MOBIL 1 synthetic oil. Any other oil will cause oil sludge. I have no idea what kind of oil the previous owner put in the thing (although the very qualified import mechanic I had inspect the car pre-purchase said the motor looked straight) but just to be on the safe side I got an oil change anyway. MOBIL 1 synthetic only.
put $150/month into a special savings account; this will be for your repairs and maintainence.
find a good independent mechanic (I see you have one)
change your oil religiously
if your temperature gauge goes into the red zone, IMMEDIATELY stop the engine and get it checked out; make sure the head gasket is not leaking
Follow this and you should be OK, but be aware, SAABs are very expensive cars to own. Good luck.
Congrats on the sweet Swede! I drive a more basic model -00, with the 150bhp engine, but my folks have one just like yours. I read your review, and wanted to point out that if anything, the new 9-3 is even nicer to drive than the hatchback. Far less torque-steer under acceleration, better suspension and more precise steering. At least the ones I’ve driven.
I stand corrected then. I had always heard that the later SAAB models were inferior to the earlier ones because of too much GM influence and sub-standard quality control but maybe this is just baseless slander. I still wish they made the hatchback style - it’s very distinctive.
It’s a beauty! Do want to warn you though…our neighbor had one and we got pretty familiar with the flat bed truck driver who would periodically come take it to the auto hospital. Our neighbor did complain about the cost of repairs.
But it sounds like you got good advice for preventative maintenance. Best of luck with your new baby!
